Lurking Informant MTG Card


Lurking Informant’s ability to manipulate an opponent’s draws can be a game-changer. Its instant speed activation offers strategic versatility in MTG matches. The card’s specific mana needs could limit deck-building options.
Lurking Informant - Ravnica: City of Guilds
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Rogue
Released2005-10-07
Set symbol
Set nameRavnica: City of Guilds
Set codeRAV
Power 1
Toughness 2
Number249
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byRon Spears

Text of card

({UB} can be paid with either or .) , : Look at the top card of target player's library. You may put that card into that player's graveyard.

In the undercity, forgetfulness is often encouraged at the point of a blade.


Cards like Lurking Informant

Lurking Informant is an interesting creature in the expansive universe of Magic: The Gathering. It shares common ground with cards like Sage Owl and Wall of Omens, in that it influences the flow of the game by manipulating card advantage. Lurking Informant, however, operates uniquely by allowing its controller to surveil an opponent’s deck with its {2}{B}: Look at the top card of target player’s library ability, giving a strategic edge in multiplayer games.

Comparable in this niche is Augury Owl, which provides a look at the top three cards of its owner’s library upon entering the battlefield, albeit without the repeatable aspect of the informant’s ability. Dark Confidant, too, offers a similar peek at the top card, however, it reinforces the player’s own hand and resources at the potential cost of life, rather than focusing on disruption. Lastly, Lantern Control decks utilize Lantern of Insight in conjunction with milling effects to control both players’ draws very effectively, echoing the Informant’s disruptive potential.

While assessing similar cards, it’s evident that Lurking Informant offers a distinct combination of board presence and information warfare, establishing itself as an advantageous tool in any MTG player’s arsenal where knowledge of an opponent’s deck can dictate the tide of the match.

Sage Owl - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Augury Owl - MTG Card versions
Dark Confidant - MTG Card versions
Lantern of Insight - MTG Card versions
Sage Owl - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Augury Owl - MTG Card versions
Dark Confidant - MTG Card versions
Lantern of Insight - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lurking Informant by color, type and mana cost

Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
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Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
Metathran Zombie - MTG Card versions
Dimir Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Dimir Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Witch - MTG Card versions
Zombie Outlander - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hibernation Sliver - MTG Card versions
Woodlot Crawler - MTG Card versions
Returned Phalanx - MTG Card versions
Shipwreck Singer - MTG Card versions
Disciple of Deceit - MTG Card versions
Fathom Feeder - MTG Card versions
Shadowstorm Vizier - MTG Card versions
House Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Lazav, the Multifarious - MTG Card versions
Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Infiltrator - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Lurking Informant provides a unique form of card advantage by enabling manipulation of the top card of an opponent’s library, disrupting their draw and potentially denying them crucial resources.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or ramp, Lurking Informant can accelerate your game plan by filtering your own deck with its ability, ensuring you draw into the action you need more consistently.

Instant Speed: The Informant’s deck manipulation ability can be activated at instant speed, offering flexibility during any phase of the game and the option to disrupt an opponent’s strategy at the most opportune moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One limitation of Lurking Informant is the need to have another card to discard, which can prove challenging when operating with a depleted hand. This puts a strain on the player’s resources and reduces their flexibility during gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes both blue and black mana, Lurking Informant demands a specific deck structure predominantly featuring these colors, which can be restrictive for players wishing to integrate it into a more diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Lurking Informant’s ability offers a form of deck manipulation, its combined mana cost and additional activation cost could be considered steep for its relatively subtle effect. Other cards in the same cost range might provide a more impactful ability or presence on the board.


Reasons to Include Lurking Informant in Your Collection

Versatility: The adaptability of Lurking Informant is notable. It can slip into control or mill decks comfortably, providing a sustainable resource of information about your opponent’s upcoming plays.

Combo Potential: With Lurking Informant, deck synergy elevates as it enables key interactions for self-mill strategies or works with cards that profit from manipulating the top card of a library.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to influence both players’ draws, Lurking Informant can be a tactical addition against decks that rely heavily on the combo and top-deck strategies, making it relevant in various metagames.


How to beat

Lurking Informant, steeped in the intrigue of Ravnica block, is a peculiar creature card that offers an unusual form of deck manipulation. With its ability to surveil an opponent’s library, it can be quite a thorn in your side, subtly pilfering the seams of their strategy. To dismantle its clandestine efforts, strategic sideboarding is crucial. Bringing in cards that shuffle your library, like the efficient ‘Field of Ruin,’ can thwart the Informant’s influence by refreshing your deck’s order. Aggressive play is another avenue, deploying threats that demand immediate answers, thus stretching your opponent’s mana and forcing them to choose between fueling the Lurking Informant or dealing with on-board pressure. Moreover, enchantment removal like ‘Naturalize’ can be pivotal, eliminating ‘Undercity Uprising,’ which often accompanies Lurking Informant in decks to manipulate the top card of the library for a beneficial reveal.

In essence, when you neutralize its ability to surveil, you strip away the edge it provides. Countering Lurking Informant demands a focus on keeping your own game plan fluid while cutting off the avenues that allow it to disrupt and dictate the flow of play.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lurking Informant MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Lurking Informant and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lurking Informant has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal